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Prairie dog poison can harm humans, EPA warns

Release Date: 6/28/2001
Contact Information:
303 312 6217,

Release Date: 6/28/2001
Contact Information:
303 312 6229,

Release Date: 6/28/2001
Contact Information:
800 858 7378

Denver -- Well meaning people who interfere with prairie dog poisoning by digging up and removing deadly pesticides place themselves and others at risk for sickness, even death, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Denver warned today. A recent conflict in Boulder County over prairie dog control triggered the warning.

“We want people to know that the phosphine gas produced when aluminum phosphide (AlP) is used to kill rodents, can sicken or kill humans, too,” said EPA enforcement specialist Tim Osag. Osag said the agency today sent a “cautionary message” to parties involved in the Boulder County conflict last month and posted the message on the Agency’s website. “We will also send the message to other parts of our six-state Region where prairie dog control is an issue.”

EPA is not taking a position on conflicts over prairie dog control.

Typically, a prescribed amount of the pellets is placed in a rodent burrow and the hole is sealed. The pellets react with moisture in the air or soil to produce phosphine gas. The gas is highly toxic when inhaled by rodents or humans. Last August, a South Dakota girl died when AlP was applied too near the family home.

AlP is a “restricted use pesticide.” Only people certified by EPA or a State can apply it or supervise its use. It is a fumigant registered for control of insects in stored grain and burrowing rodents in agricultural areas. Improper use or disposal of any pesticide violates federal law.

Symptoms of phosphine poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulty, vomiting and diarrhea. Breathing the gas can produce pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs which can be fatal. Edema can occur hours after exposure. EPA urges immediate medical treatment if poisoning is suspected. In lesser amounts, the gas can harm the liver, kidneys, lungs, nervous and circulatory systems.